Organized Chaos

In spite of the well known definitions and theories on chaos, here's my idea of organized chaos : India's Roads & Traffic.

Anyone and everyone who has lived or visited India, will agree with the sole fact that the flow of vehicles on the roads is nothing short of chaos. Having lived outside India for a while and driven on roads in other countries, I can see the gaping difference between the two.

My first experience with courteous driving was when I witnessed an accident, a minor bump, while I was in the passenger's seat in Osaka, Japan. Initially it was amusing that both the parties in question were extremely apologetic. After the initial bowing, they had a polite conversation regarding the cause and further actions. Within minutes, we were on our way.

Curious, isn't it. For all those who have lived and driven in India will agree with me when I say, this is quite contrary to what happens when there is a 'bump' on Indian roads. One gets to witness a profusion of emotions, but none - no siree, not one, would really come close to gentle or the likes of gracious.

However, it is intriguing to see the skill with which people drive on Indian roads. That micro inch by which you steer your vehicle away from an oncoming one is something the million or so indian drivers can boast about. Not for too long though.

The recent announcement of the Tata Nano 1 lac car has raised concerns over causing the eventual collapse of the already chaotic driving community. No offense to the ones who would love to afford a four-wheeler for almost the same cost of a two-wheeler. Who knows where the roads will lead to next?